Everyone laughed, although the kids were oblivious. Next, came Devon, hands in pockets, and smiling as he marched like a little soldier toward them, just as Matilda, Lou, and Ryder reached Johnnie and Christopher.
Johnnie lifted his baby girl into his arms and kissed her cheek.
Once Devon reached the halfway point, Rule appeared with Bryn Mason. The raven-haired daughter of Sloane and Georgie wore a dress, almost identical to Matilda’s. As Devon made it to the altar and Rule and Bryn were at the halfway point, Ryan started down the aisle, looking more and more like Val as the days passed. The kids seemed to have finally fallen into rhythm. Golden-haired Rebel started down the aisle with Chance Mason, both of them grinning with confidence.
“Hurry up, Elle,” CJ called from the doorway, standing next to Harley, who held a basket overflowing with petals.
A crown of roses wreathed her head, as both she and CJ bounced with energy.
Fee pointed to the altar, whispering to them. Once Rebel and Chance sat on the bench with the rest of the kids, CJ pulled Harley forward, making her stumble. Scowling at him, she elbowed his side. In response, he grabbed a handful of her rose petals and took an exaggerated stride forward.
Harley giggled, and followed CJ’s lead, throwing the petals—up into the air, instead of on the ground.
“Between us, there’s twelve children,” Johnnie said to Christopher, including Sloane’s kids in that number, as Rory appeared in the doorway.
“We been doin’ a lotta fuckin’, John Boy,” Christopher responded. “Megan, Fee, and Bunny pregnant. If you wanna count Patrick and the two babies Kendall lost, that’s about eighteen lil motherfuckers.”
“Fuck, a goddamn tribe.” Setting Matilda on her feet, Johnnie watched his son march to him, holding himself perfect, looking neither right nor left, as Fee closed the door again. He was so proud of Rory, his son. He would’ve had another son if Kendall hadn’t lost their last baby. A moment of sadness hit him, but he pushed it aside, grateful for his family. “We’re lucky motherfuckers, Christopher.”
“Yeah, John Boy.”
Rory and Matilda were the only kids standing at the altar. The others had sat on the first row of seats. As the kids arranged themselves, several additional musicians joined Sloane and the two women.
While the band played a piece Johnnie recognized as a Handel arrangement, Potter opened the door again. Wearing a tulle gown, Charlotte looked dignified as an usher escorted her to a seat, usually reserved for mother-of-the-bride. She’d lost a lot of weight, but she still had that air of superiority. He supposed she’d take that to her grave, which she’d soon be introduced to if she fucked with Kendall’s head again.
The procession continued, and Johnnie grew more anxious to see Kendall. Other than hearing that squeal, he had no indication if they’d achieved her dream wedding or not.
Cash and Stretch escorted Fee down the aisle, followed by the recently married Bunny—obviously pregnant—and Digger. Next, came Bailey and Mort. Zoann and Val. Georgie Mason and Diesel. Megan…all the women were dressed in the same style and color gowns, everything matched and color coordinated.
All the men headed in his direction, while the women went to the other side. Right before the door closed, he heard Kendall sob.
Various scenarios running through his head, Johnnie intended to rush to her.
“Wait, Johnnie,” Megan called.
“Something’s wrong…” Johnnie trailed his voice off at the opening of the door.
“Fuck, man,” Mort whispered.
“Mama!” Bailey said, bursting into tears and hugging Meggie.
In the doorway stood Roxy, gorgeous in a dress similar to Charlotte’s but the color of the bridesmaids. She’d always had long hair, but now it was close-cropped, just growing out as she recovered from her chemotherapy.
“Kendall’s maid of honor,” Megan said, from across the aisle.
“Fuck, Meggie,” Val sniffled. “You making grown motherfuckers cry.”
More than one sniffle came from Johnnie’s side of the aisle. Across from him, the girls were openly crying.
“Glam-Ma!” Harley squealed, bounding from her seat and rushing to Roxy, who was walking down the aisle, smiling at her granddaughter.
Mort broke rank when his daughter and mother-in-law got to the front. “C’mon, Roxanne, I’ll take you to your seat.”
“You touch me, Magician, and I’m fucking you up. I’m here for one of my babies. No fucking way I’m sitting my ass down.”
“She back, Mort,” Christopher said, laughing at Mort’s glare.
“Fuck, man. I’m trying to treat you like a bitch who just had cancer and you acting all normal and shit. Calling me out my name to try and piss me off. Not working. I don’t want to cause you to have a—”